The Union Health Ministry has confirmed that a batch of Coldrif cough syrup made at a Tamil Nadu facility contained diethylene glycol (DEG) beyond safe limits. Earlier samples collected in Madhya Pradesh tested negative, but contamination was detected when Tamil Nadu authorities examined the products directly at Sresan Pharma in Kanchipuram. Several states have now banned the syrup, and the Centre has ordered inspections at 19 pharmaceutical units across six states, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said in an official statement on October 5. But what exactly is diethylene glycol, and should you be concerned?Diethylene Glycol Found In ‘Coldrif’ Cough SyrupSome children with routine cold symptoms such as cough, fever, and mild discomfort were prescribed the locally available Coldrif syrup. Instead of getting better, within a few days, some developed dark urine, extreme fatigue, and signs of kidney failure, as per BBC.Death reports are also surfacing, with the toll rising. The Tamil Nadu government has issued a notice to Sresan Pharma, asking why its drug license should not be revoked after 14 children in Madhya Pradesh reportedly died from consuming this toxic syrup. The governments of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu have banned Coldrif sales after tests revealed it contained a highly poisonous chemical. The health ministry confirmed that the syrup contained diethylene glycol (DEG), an industrial solvent, which can be fatal even in small doses.What Is Diethylene Glycol?According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG) are industrial chemicals used in antifreeze, paints, brake fluids, and plastics. They are not intended for medicinal use but can enter drugs if contaminated or if industrial-grade raw materials are used instead of pharmaceutical grade ingredients such as glycerine or propylene glycol. Once consumed, DEG and EG break down into toxic compounds that can harm the kidneys, liver, and nervous system. Tamil Nadu drug officials found that Coldrif contained 48.6% DEG, which is far above safe limits. The Centre has initiated inspections at 19 pharmaceutical units in six states, filed FIRs, and taken regulatory action in multiple regions.Several children remain hospitalized across states after consuming the syrup. Doctors are providing treatments including dialysis, but they warn that affected children may continue to experience long-term kidney and nerve problems.How To Know If You Have Been Contaminated With Diethylene Glycol?Cases of DEG contamination are emerging daily, mostly in children who developed acute kidney issues after taking cough syrup. Common warning signs include:NauseaVomitingAbdominal painDrowsinessReduced urinationIn children, poisoning can escalate quickly to acute kidney failure, seizures, and even death.Is It Safe To Consume Cough Syrup?Interestingly, the batch of Coldrif syrup made by Sresan Pharma (Tamil Nadu) tested positive for high DEG levels (48.6%) at the manufacturing site, triggering bans in Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and possibly other states. At the same time, samples collected from other locations, such as in MP and Rajasthan, did not always show contamination, suggesting limited batch issues or testing differences. However, to minimize the risk:Always follow your doctor’s or pharmacist’s instructions regarding dose and duration.Prefer single-ingredient formulations over combinations to reduce the chance of overexposure.Avoid expired syrups or those from unreliable sources.Seek medical help if symptoms persist instead of increasing the dose yourself.Store medicines correctly according to label instructions (temperature, humidity, etc.).India is the world’s largest producer of generic medicines, often called the “pharmacy of the world.” Incidents like this raise serious public health concerns and could impact India’s global pharmaceutical reputation.
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